Rangers were due to discover their fate by 4pm today after the independent hearing into their signing of Argentinian midfielder Alejandro Faurlin.

But the FA revealed last night that would no longer happen and an announcement will instead be made “as soon as possible thereafter” – meaning Rangers might have played their final game of the season, against Leeds tomorrow, and lifted the Championship trophy before they learn their punishment.

The delay has been caused by the independent QC who is in charge of the hearing wanting more time to assess the evidence before deciding his verdict, but a decision could come at any time.

A Rangers spokesman said the club are now not expecting an announcement until Monday. Rangers have been accused of breaking strict third-party ownership rules to sign Faurlin in 2009 and could be hit with a points deduction that dumps them in the play-offs and sees Norwich crowned champions.

The delay also affects seventh-placed Leeds who still have an outside chance of pipping Nottingham Forest to sixth spot.

Meanwhile, the situation is further complicated because the Football League have confirmed they won’t change the play-off dates even if Rangers are involved and appeal against their punishment.